2,500-Year-Old Royal Tomb Complex with Horse Burial Pit Unearthed in China

Archaeologists in China have uncovered an elaborate 2,500-year-old tomb in a giant complex containing around 200 other grave sites, which they have been excavating since 2009 in Luoyong city, Henan Province. It is believed that the tomb contains the remains of an ancient royal family, and may hold the key to learning more about a little known kingdom in China’s history.

The People’s Daily Online reports that the large tomb, which measures 21 feet (6.5m) long, 17 feet (5m) wide, and 28 feet (8.5m) deep, was found to contain copper bells, ceremonial pots, and a burial pit containing six chariots and 13 complete horse skeletons. The horses were lined up on their sides with decorative items placed on top of them. In a corner of the pit, archaeologists found numerous cow and sheep heads and hooves. The size and contents of the tomb, which far exceeds that of the surrounding tombs, suggests that it is the resting place of a royal family.